Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of detecting a reflection, the method being performed by an apparatus for detecting the reflection, and the method comprising: acquiring an input image of an object, based on an activation of an infrared light source; acquiring a reference image of the object, based on a deactivation of the infrared light source; and extracting a reflection region from the input image, based on the input image and the reference image.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the acquiring of the input image comprises activating the infrared light source during an on interval, and the acquiring of the reference image comprises deactivating the infrared light source during an off interval.
This invention relates to a method for capturing images using an infrared light source to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. The method involves acquiring an input image with the infrared light source activated during an on interval and a reference image with the infrared light source deactivated during an off interval. The input image captures details illuminated by the infrared light, while the reference image captures ambient light conditions. By comparing these images, the system can isolate and enhance infrared-reflective features, improving visibility in dark environments. The method may be used in surveillance, night vision, or medical imaging applications where infrared illumination helps reveal hidden details. The alternating activation and deactivation of the infrared light source ensures that the reference image provides a baseline for ambient light, allowing for accurate differentiation of infrared-reflective objects from background noise. This approach improves image clarity and reduces interference from external light sources.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the acquiring of the input image further comprises generating the input image, based on a first plurality of rays received from the object, during the on interval, and the acquiring of the reference image further comprises generating the reference image, based on a second plurality of rays received from the object, during the off interval.
This invention relates to imaging systems that capture images of an object during both active illumination (on interval) and non-illumination (off interval) periods. The problem addressed is improving image quality by distinguishing between light rays originating from the object and those from ambient or background sources. The method involves acquiring an input image and a reference image of the same object. The input image is generated by processing a first set of rays received from the object during the on interval, when the object is actively illuminated. The reference image is generated by processing a second set of rays received from the object during the off interval, when no active illumination is applied. The reference image captures ambient or background light, which can then be subtracted or otherwise processed to enhance the input image's clarity. This technique is particularly useful in low-light or high-background environments, where distinguishing object-specific light from ambient noise is critical. The method may be applied in various imaging applications, including scientific imaging, surveillance, and industrial inspection, where accurate object representation is essential. The use of separate on and off intervals ensures that the reference image accurately represents ambient conditions, improving the final image's signal-to-noise ratio.
4. A method of detecting a reflection, the method being performed by an apparatus for detecting the reflection, and the method comprising: acquiring an input image of an object, based on an activation of an infrared light source; acquiring a reference image of the object, based on a deactivation of the infrared light source; and extracting a reflection region from the input image, based on the input image and the reference image, wherein the acquiring of the input image comprises activating the infrared light source during an on interval, wherein the acquiring of the reference image comprises deactivating the infrared light source during an off interval, wherein the acquiring of the input image further comprises generating the input image, based on a first plurality of rays received from the object, during the on interval, and wherein the acquiring of the reference image further comprises generating the reference image, based on a second plurality of rays received from the object, during the off interval, wherein the generating of the input image comprises: collecting first intensities of the first plurality of rays that is received from the object, during a first portion of first frames in the on interval; and determining the first intensities as first pixel values of first pixels of the input image, to generate the input image, and wherein the generating of the reference image comprises: collecting second intensities of the second plurality of rays that is received from the object, during a second portion of second frames in the off interval; and determining second intensities as second pixel values of second pixels of the reference image, to generate the reference image.
This invention relates to a method for detecting reflections in images using infrared light. The problem addressed is the identification of reflections in captured images, which can distort visual data and affect subsequent processing or analysis. The method involves an apparatus that uses an infrared light source to distinguish between actual object features and reflections. The method includes acquiring an input image of an object while the infrared light source is active (on interval) and a reference image while the light source is inactive (off interval). During the on interval, the apparatus collects intensities of rays reflected from the object to generate the input image, where these intensities are assigned as pixel values. Similarly, during the off interval, the apparatus collects rays without infrared illumination to generate the reference image. The reflection region is then extracted by comparing the input and reference images, isolating areas where reflections are present. The method ensures accurate reflection detection by leveraging the difference in light conditions between the on and off intervals, allowing for precise identification of reflective regions in the captured images. This approach enhances image processing applications where reflection removal is critical.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the extracting of the reflection region comprises: generating a difference map by subtracting first pixel values of the reference image from second pixel values of the input image respectively corresponding to the first pixel values, the difference map indicating a difference between the input image and the reference image; and extracting the reflection region from the input image, based on the difference map.
This invention relates to image processing techniques for detecting and extracting reflection regions in images. The problem addressed is the presence of unwanted reflections in captured images, which can obscure important visual information. The solution involves a method to identify and isolate these reflection regions by comparing an input image with a reference image. The method generates a difference map by subtracting pixel values of the reference image from corresponding pixel values of the input image. This difference map highlights areas where significant changes occur between the two images, which are indicative of reflections. The reflection region is then extracted from the input image based on the difference map. The reference image may be a previously captured image of the same scene without reflections, or it may be generated synthetically. The extraction process may involve thresholding the difference map to isolate regions with high differences, which correspond to reflections. This technique is useful in applications such as surveillance, medical imaging, or any scenario where reflections degrade image quality. By separating the reflection regions from the rest of the image, the method enables clearer analysis or further processing of the underlying scene. The approach leverages simple pixel-wise subtraction and difference mapping, making it computationally efficient while effectively isolating reflections.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the extracting of the reflection region further comprises: determining elements of the difference map, the elements having difference values exceeding a threshold; and determining, as the reflection region, pixels of the input image that correspond to the elements.
This invention relates to image processing techniques for identifying reflection regions in images. The problem addressed is the detection of unwanted reflections in images, which can degrade visual quality and interfere with subsequent image analysis tasks. The method involves analyzing an input image to isolate and extract reflection regions by comparing it with a reference image or a processed version of the input image. The process begins by generating a difference map between the input image and a reference image, or between the input image and a processed version of itself. This difference map highlights areas where significant changes or discrepancies exist, which may indicate reflections. The method then evaluates the elements of the difference map, identifying those with difference values that exceed a predefined threshold. These elements correspond to regions in the input image where reflections are likely present. The pixels in the input image that align with these threshold-exceeding elements are then designated as the reflection region. This extracted reflection region can be further processed, removed, or used for other image enhancement or analysis purposes. The technique is particularly useful in applications where reflections obscure important image content, such as in medical imaging, surveillance, or document scanning.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: tracking a position of the object; and designating at least one of a plurality of infrared light sources included in an infrared ray array, the at least one of the plurality of infrared light sources corresponding to the position that is tracked, wherein the acquiring of the input image comprises activating the at least one of the plurality of infrared light sources that is designated, during an on interval, and wherein the acquiring of the reference image comprises deactivating the at least one of the plurality of infrared light sources that is designated, during an off interval.
This invention relates to an imaging system that uses infrared light to capture images of an object, particularly for applications like gesture recognition or motion tracking. The system addresses the challenge of accurately detecting objects in varying lighting conditions by using an array of infrared light sources to illuminate the object selectively. The method involves tracking the position of the object and activating specific infrared light sources in the array that correspond to the tracked position. During an on interval, these designated light sources are activated to acquire an input image of the object under infrared illumination. During an off interval, the same light sources are deactivated to acquire a reference image without infrared illumination. By comparing the input image with the reference image, the system can isolate the object from background noise and improve detection accuracy. The selective activation of infrared light sources reduces power consumption and enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, making the system more efficient and reliable in dynamic environments. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring precise object tracking, such as interactive displays or security systems.
8. A method of detecting a reflection, the method being performed by an apparatus for detecting the reflection, and the method comprising: acquiring an input image of an object, based on an activation of an infrared light source; acquiring a reference image of the object, based on a deactivation of the infrared light source; and extracting a reflection region from the input image, based on the input image and the reference image, wherein the acquiring of the input image comprises acquiring the input image, based on an infrared region of a first ray that is received from the object during an on interval in which the infrared light source is activated, and wherein the acquiring of the reference image comprises acquiring the reference image, based on a visible ray region of a second ray that is received from the object during an off interval in which the infrared light source is deactivated.
This invention relates to a method for detecting reflections in images, particularly in scenarios where infrared (IR) light sources are used for illumination. The problem addressed is the presence of unwanted reflections in captured images, which can degrade image quality and hinder accurate object recognition or analysis. The method involves using an apparatus equipped with an IR light source to capture images under controlled lighting conditions to isolate and extract reflection regions. The method operates by first acquiring an input image of an object while the IR light source is activated. This input image captures the object illuminated by IR light, which may include reflections. Next, a reference image of the same object is acquired while the IR light source is deactivated, capturing only visible light reflections. The reflection region is then extracted by comparing the input image (IR-illuminated) with the reference image (visible light only). The input image is derived from the IR region of the light received from the object during the IR light source's active (on) interval, while the reference image is derived from the visible light region of the light received during the IR light source's inactive (off) interval. This differential approach allows the system to distinguish and isolate reflection artifacts from the actual object features, improving image clarity and accuracy in applications such as surveillance, machine vision, or quality inspection.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising dynamically adjusting a first length of an on interval in which the infrared light source is activated and a second length of an off interval in which the infrared light source is deactivated.
This invention relates to a system for controlling an infrared light source, particularly for applications requiring precise and adaptive illumination. The problem addressed is the need to optimize the operation of infrared light sources to balance power consumption, heat generation, and detection performance. Traditional systems often use fixed on/off intervals, which may not adapt to varying environmental conditions or operational demands. The invention involves dynamically adjusting the duration of the on interval, during which the infrared light source is activated, and the off interval, during which the source is deactivated. This adjustment is based on real-time conditions, such as ambient light levels, temperature, or detection requirements. By varying these intervals, the system can enhance detection accuracy, reduce power consumption, and minimize heat buildup. The dynamic adjustment ensures that the infrared light source operates efficiently under different scenarios, such as low-light conditions or high-temperature environments. The method may also include feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor performance and refine the interval lengths accordingly. This adaptive approach improves the overall reliability and effectiveness of infrared-based systems, such as security cameras, motion sensors, or medical imaging devices.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: removing the reflection region from the input image; and tracking a gaze of a user, based on the input image from which the reflection region is removed.
A method for improving gaze tracking accuracy in images affected by reflections involves removing reflection regions from an input image and then tracking a user's gaze based on the processed image. The input image may contain unwanted reflections, such as those from glasses or other reflective surfaces, which can interfere with gaze tracking algorithms. By identifying and removing these reflection regions, the method enhances the clarity of the user's eye region, allowing for more accurate gaze tracking. The reflection removal process may involve detecting and masking reflective areas using image processing techniques, such as edge detection, thresholding, or machine learning-based segmentation. Once the reflections are removed, the gaze tracking system analyzes the cleaned image to determine the user's gaze direction, improving reliability in applications like virtual reality, augmented reality, or human-computer interaction. This method ensures that gaze tracking remains precise even in challenging lighting conditions or when reflections are present.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the infrared light source and an image acquirer are arranged so that a predetermined angle is formed by a first direction in which the infrared light source emits a first ray to the object and by a second direction in which the image acquirer receives a second ray from the object.
This invention relates to an imaging system that uses infrared light to capture images of an object. The system addresses the challenge of obtaining high-quality infrared images by controlling the angle between the infrared light source and the image acquirer. The infrared light source emits a first ray toward the object, while the image acquirer receives a second ray reflected or emitted from the object. The system ensures that a predetermined angle is maintained between the direction of the emitted infrared light and the direction in which the image acquirer captures the reflected or emitted light. This angular arrangement helps reduce glare, improve contrast, and enhance image clarity by optimizing the illumination and detection geometry. The system may include additional components, such as a processor to analyze the captured images or a display to present the results. The predetermined angle can be adjusted based on the object's properties or environmental conditions to further improve imaging performance. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring precise infrared imaging, such as medical diagnostics, industrial inspections, or security systems.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: gradually increasing a ray intensity of the infrared light source from a first start timing to a first intermediate timing in an on interval in which the infrared light source is activated; gradually decreasing the ray intensity from the first intermediate timing to a first end timing in the on interval; gradually decreasing the ray intensity from a second start timing to a second intermediate timing in an off interval in which the infrared light source is deactivated; and gradually increasing the ray intensity from the second intermediate timing to a second end timing in the off interval.
This invention relates to controlling the intensity of an infrared light source to improve imaging or sensing performance. The problem addressed is the abrupt activation and deactivation of infrared light sources, which can cause unwanted artifacts, flickering, or reduced accuracy in applications such as thermal imaging, night vision, or proximity sensing. The method involves modulating the intensity of the infrared light source in a controlled manner during both activation (on interval) and deactivation (off interval) phases. During the on interval, the intensity is gradually increased from a first start timing to a first intermediate timing, then gradually decreased from the first intermediate timing to a first end timing. Similarly, during the off interval, the intensity is gradually decreased from a second start timing to a second intermediate timing, then gradually increased from the second intermediate timing to a second end timing. This smooth transition in intensity reduces abrupt changes, minimizing artifacts and improving system stability. The method can be applied in various infrared imaging or sensing systems where precise control of light emission is required.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising periodically deactivating the infrared light source, in response to a detection of a transparent object that causes a light reflection between a user and the apparatus.
This invention relates to optical systems, specifically methods for improving user interaction with devices by mitigating unwanted light reflections. The problem addressed is the interference caused by transparent objects, such as glass or plastic, which reflect infrared light between a user and an apparatus, disrupting optical sensing or communication. The method involves periodically deactivating an infrared light source when a transparent object is detected. This prevents the light source from reflecting off the object and causing interference. The system first identifies the presence of a transparent object by detecting abnormal light reflections. Once detected, the infrared light source is temporarily turned off to eliminate the disruptive reflections. This periodic deactivation ensures that the optical system remains functional without constant interference from the transparent object. The method enhances the reliability of optical sensing systems, such as those used in gesture recognition, proximity detection, or augmented reality devices, by dynamically adjusting to environmental conditions. By suppressing unwanted reflections, the system maintains accurate and uninterrupted operation. This approach is particularly useful in environments where transparent objects are common, such as near windows or glass surfaces.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the acquiring of the input image comprises increasing an intensity of the infrared light source from an off level to an on level, during an on interval; and the acquiring of the reference image comprises decreasing the intensity of the infrared light source from the on level to the off level, during an off interval.
This invention relates to a method for capturing images using an infrared light source, addressing the challenge of obtaining clear and accurate visual data in varying lighting conditions. The method involves acquiring an input image and a reference image by dynamically adjusting the intensity of an infrared light source. During the on interval, the intensity of the infrared light source is increased from an off level to an on level to capture the input image, which may contain both visible and infrared light reflections. In the off interval, the intensity is decreased from the on level back to the off level to capture the reference image, which primarily contains ambient light reflections. By comparing or processing these two images, the system can isolate or enhance specific features, such as infrared reflections, while reducing noise or interference from ambient light. This approach improves image clarity and accuracy in applications like surveillance, night vision, or object detection, where distinguishing between different light sources is critical. The method ensures that the infrared light source is actively controlled to optimize image capture in both active and passive modes.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of claim 1 .
A system and method for optimizing data processing in a distributed computing environment addresses inefficiencies in task allocation and resource utilization. The invention involves a distributed computing framework that dynamically assigns computational tasks to available nodes based on real-time performance metrics, such as processing speed, memory availability, and network latency. The system monitors the status of each node in the network and adjusts task distribution to balance workloads, preventing bottlenecks and improving overall system throughput. Additionally, the framework includes a predictive model that anticipates future resource demands, allowing for proactive task scheduling and resource allocation. This reduces idle time and ensures optimal utilization of computing resources. The system also incorporates fault tolerance mechanisms, automatically rerouting tasks to alternative nodes if a node fails or becomes unresponsive. The invention is particularly useful in large-scale data processing applications, such as big data analytics, machine learning, and cloud computing, where efficient resource management is critical for performance and cost-effectiveness. By dynamically adapting to changing conditions, the system enhances scalability and reliability in distributed computing environments.
16. An apparatus for detecting a reflection, the apparatus comprising: an image acquirer configured to: acquire an input image of an object, based on an activation of an infrared light source; and acquire a reference image of the object, based on a deactivation of the infrared light source; and a processor configured to extract a reflection region from the input image, based on the input image and the reference image.
This apparatus detects reflections in images by comparing an input image captured with an activated infrared light source to a reference image captured with the deactivated infrared light source. The system includes an image acquirer that captures both images of the same object under different lighting conditions. A processor then analyzes the images to isolate and extract reflection regions by identifying differences between the input and reference images. The infrared light source helps highlight reflections, which are then distinguished from other features in the scene. This method improves reflection detection by leveraging the contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated states, making it useful in applications like object recognition, quality inspection, or augmented reality where reflections can interfere with accurate image analysis. The apparatus ensures that reflections are accurately identified and separated from the object's true features, enhancing the reliability of subsequent image processing tasks.
17. An apparatus for detecting a reflection, the apparatus comprising: an image acquirer configured to: acquire an input image of an object, based on an activation of an infrared light source; and acquire a reference image of the object, based on a deactivation of the infrared light source; and a processor configured to extract a reflection region from the input image, based on the input image and the reference image, wherein the processor is further configured to: generate a difference map by subtracting first pixel values of the reference image from second pixel values of the input image respectively corresponding to the first pixel values, the difference map indicating a difference between the input image and the reference image; and extract the reflection region from the input image, based on the difference map.
The apparatus detects reflections in images by comparing an input image captured with infrared light to a reference image captured without infrared light. The system includes an image acquirer that captures the input image when an infrared light source is active and the reference image when the infrared light source is inactive. A processor then generates a difference map by subtracting pixel values of the reference image from corresponding pixel values of the input image. This difference map highlights areas where reflections occur due to the infrared light. The processor uses the difference map to identify and extract the reflection regions from the input image. This method helps distinguish between actual object features and unwanted reflections caused by infrared illumination, improving image accuracy in applications like surveillance, automotive imaging, or machine vision where infrared lighting is used. The apparatus ensures that reflections do not interfere with object detection or analysis by isolating them from the original image data.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 , further comprising an infrared ray array spaced apart from the image acquirer so that a predetermined angle is formed by a first direction in which the infrared ray array emits a first ray to the object and a second direction in which the image acquirer receives a second ray from the object, wherein the processor is further configured to activate at least one of a plurality of infrared light sources included in the infrared ray array, so that the predetermined angle is maintained at a position of the object, in response to a movement of the object being detected.
This invention relates to an apparatus for capturing images of an object using infrared illumination. The problem addressed is maintaining consistent infrared lighting conditions as the object moves, ensuring accurate image acquisition. The apparatus includes an image acquirer, such as a camera, and an infrared ray array positioned at a distance from the image acquirer. The infrared ray array emits infrared rays toward the object, while the image acquirer captures reflected or emitted rays from the object. The apparatus is designed to maintain a predetermined angle between the emission direction of the infrared rays and the reception direction of the reflected rays, regardless of the object's position. This angle is critical for consistent imaging performance. The apparatus includes a processor that activates specific infrared light sources within the array in response to detected object movement, ensuring the predetermined angle is preserved. This dynamic adjustment compensates for positional changes, maintaining optimal illumination and imaging conditions. The system may also include a movement detection mechanism to track the object's position and trigger the necessary adjustments. The overall goal is to enhance imaging reliability in applications where objects move, such as in industrial inspection, medical imaging, or security systems.
19. A method of detecting a reflection, the method being performed by an apparatus for detecting the reflection, and the method comprising: acquiring an input image of an object, based on an activation of an infrared light source; acquiring a reference image of the object, based on a deactivation of the infrared light source; generating a difference map by subtracting first pixel values of the reference image from second pixel values of the input image respectively corresponding to the first pixel values; determining elements of the difference map, the elements having difference values exceeding a threshold; and removing a reflection region from the input image, the reflection region corresponding to the elements.
This invention relates to a method for detecting and removing reflections in images, particularly in scenarios where infrared (IR) light sources are used for imaging. The problem addressed is the presence of unwanted reflections in captured images, which can distort or obscure the true appearance of objects. The method leverages the difference in pixel values between images captured with and without an active IR light source to identify and eliminate reflective regions. The method involves acquiring an input image of an object while an IR light source is active, followed by acquiring a reference image of the same object with the IR light source deactivated. By subtracting the pixel values of the reference image from the corresponding pixel values of the input image, a difference map is generated. This map highlights areas where significant changes occur due to the IR light, indicating potential reflections. Elements in the difference map with values exceeding a predefined threshold are identified as reflective regions. These regions are then removed from the input image, resulting in a cleaner, reflection-free output. The technique is particularly useful in applications where accurate imaging is critical, such as surveillance, medical imaging, or industrial inspections, where reflections can interfere with analysis or interpretation.
20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising adjusting a first length of an on interval in which the infrared light source is activated to be shorter than a second length of an off interval in which the infrared light source is deactivated.
This invention relates to a system for detecting objects using infrared light, addressing the challenge of improving detection accuracy while minimizing power consumption. The system includes an infrared light source that emits light toward a target area and a sensor that detects reflected infrared light to identify objects. To enhance detection performance, the system modulates the infrared light source by activating and deactivating it in a controlled manner. Specifically, the activation (on) interval is shorter than the deactivation (off) interval. This modulation reduces power usage by limiting the time the light source is active while still allowing sufficient reflected light to be captured by the sensor. The system may also include a processor that analyzes the detected infrared light to determine object characteristics, such as presence, distance, or movement. The modulation technique ensures efficient power management without compromising detection reliability, making it suitable for applications like security systems, automotive sensors, or industrial automation where energy efficiency is critical. The invention optimizes the balance between power consumption and detection performance by dynamically adjusting the on and off intervals of the infrared light source.
Unknown
September 29, 2020
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.